Assalamualaikum and hello! Let me introduce myself and my goals briefly to you guys, my fellow usrah members to ensure we know each other well!

Name: Muhammad Anas bin Shamsul

Age: 19 years old

Hometown: Muar, Johor

Matric No.: 243116

Mahallah: Aisyah

Course: Engineering

Contact No.: 0138336786

Email: anasshamsul1@gmail.com

Facilitator usrah 1: Ziqry

Facilitator usrah 2: Mahfuz

Usrah 1 Group: Group 123

Usrah 2 Group: Group 119

Hobby:

• playing games

• watching movies

• watching tv series

Sincerity (Ikhlas): The primary intention in seeking knowledge should be to please Allah, benefit oneself and others, and apply it for righteous purposes, not for fame, wealth, or status.

Respect for Teachers: Show great respect and honor to teachers as they are the transmitters of knowledge. Avoid arguing with them and always seek their guidance with humility.

Humility: Approach knowledge with an open heart and mind. Acknowledge that you don't know everything and are constantly in need of learning.

Patience and Perseverance: Learning requires time, effort, and dedication. One must be patient and consistent in the pursuit of knowledge, even when faced with challenges.

Seeking Knowledge from Trusted Sources: It is crucial to seek knowledge from reputable scholars and authentic sources, ensuring that what is learned is correct and beneficial.

Purifying the Heart: A clear and sincere heart is essential for understanding and retaining knowledge. Avoid arrogance, jealousy, and envy.

Practicing What is Learned: Knowledge is not just for memorization but should be applied in daily life. Acting upon what you learn is a key element of adab in seeking knowledge.

Gratitude for Knowledge: Be thankful for the opportunity to learn and for the guidance of your teachers. Gratitude nurtures the soul and motivates continuous learning.

Sharing Knowledge: Once knowledge is acquired, share it with others for the betterment of the community while ensuring that it is done with wisdom and compassion.

By adhering to these principles, a learner not only gains knowledge but also grows in

In response to the question about Iman, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

"Iman (faith) is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in the divine decree (Qadr), both its good and its bad."

This hadith outlines the six pillars of Iman (faith), which are essential beliefs for every Muslim:

Belief in Allah: Acknowledging the oneness of Allah.

Belief in Angels: Understanding that angels are Allah's creation who serve various purposes.

Belief in Divine Books: Believing in the scriptures revealed by Allah, including the Qur'an, Torah, Gospel, and others.

Belief in Messengers: Believing in all of Allah's prophets and messengers, including Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Belief in the Last Day: Having faith in the Day of Judgment when all will be held accountable.

Belief in Divine Decree (Qadr): Accepting that everything, good or bad, happens according to Allah’s divine will and plan.

Belief in Allah (Tawhid):

Muslims believe in the absolute oneness of Allah (God). He is the Creator, Sustainer, and the only one worthy of worship. Allah has no partners, children, or equals.

Belief in Angels:

Muslims believe in the existence of angels, who are created by Allah from light. Angels perform specific tasks as commanded by Allah, such as delivering revelation (e.g., Angel Jibril) or recording human deeds.

Belief in Divine Books:

Muslims believe that Allah revealed divine scriptures to His messengers as guidance for humanity. These include the Torah (to Musa/Moses), the Psalms (to Dawood/David), the Gospel (to Isa/Jesus), and the Qur'an (to Muhammad). The Qur'an is considered the final and most complete revelation.

Belief in the Prophets:

Muslims believe in all of Allah's prophets and messengers, from Adam to Muhammad (PBUH). They were sent to guide humanity, and Muhammad is considered the final prophet.

Belief in the Last Day (Day of Judgment):

Muslims believe that this worldly life is temporary and that there will be a final Day of Judgment where everyone will be held accountable for their deeds. The righteous will be rewarded with paradise, while the wrongdoers will face punishment.

Belief in Divine Decree (Qadr):

Muslims believe in the concept of Qadr, or divine predestination. This means that Allah has foreknowledge and control over everything that happens in the universe, both good and bad. However, humans are given free will to make choices, and they are responsible for their actions.

These six pillars of Iman are central to a Muslim’s faith and understanding of their relationship with Allah and the world around them.

Definition of Ihsan:

The term "Ihsan" is famously defined in the Hadith of Jibril where the angel Jibril asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about Ihsan, and the Prophet responded:

"Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, know that He sees you."

This explanation highlights the idea of performing all acts of worship and daily deeds with a sense of being constantly aware of Allah's presence, which leads to sincerity and dedication.

Key Aspects of Ihsan:

Worship with Excellence:

Ihsan in worship means praying, fasting, and fulfilling other religious duties with full devotion and focus, as if you are in the direct presence of Allah. It is about perfecting your acts of worship and doing them with deep sincerity, beyond just fulfilling the bare minimum requirements.

Awareness of Allah (Taqwa):

Ihsan cultivates a heightened sense of taqwa (God-consciousness). A person practicing Ihsan acts with the constant awareness that Allah is watching, leading them to refrain from sins and always aim for goodness.

Excellence in Treatment of Others:

Ihsan also extends to dealing with people. A Muslim should strive to do good in their interactions with others—showing kindness, justice, and mercy. Treating others with fairness and compassion is an integral part of Ihsan.

Striving for Perfection in All Actions:

Ihsan encourages Muslims to pursue excellence not only in religious practices but in all areas of life, including work, family, and social responsibilities. The idea is to perform every action to the best of one’s ability with sincerity and a sense of responsibility towards Allah.

Summary of Ihsan:

Ihsan is about achieving excellence in worship and life by constantly being aware of Allah’s presence. It involves:

Worshipping as though you see Allah, or knowing that He sees you.

Performing all acts with sincerity, striving for perfection, and avoiding hypocrisy.

Showing kindness, compassion, and fairness to others.

Living with mindfulness and accountability in all aspects of life, aiming to please Allah in everything you do.

In essence, Ihsan elevates the practice of Islam from just fulfilling obligations to embodying the spirit of excellence, sincerity, and mindfulness in all actions.

Key Aspects of Respect in Islam:

Recognizing Human Dignity:

Allah says in the Qur'an:

“And We have certainly honored the children of Adam...” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:70).

This verse emphasizes that every human being is honored by Allah, and as such, Muslims are required to treat all people with respect and dignity.

Respect for Differences:

Islam encourages mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, even among people of different faiths and cultures. The Qur'an teaches:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another...” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13).

This verse highlights that diversity is part of Allah’s creation and encourages Muslims to recognize and respect differences.

Fair Treatment and Justice:

Respect also manifests through fairness and justice. The Qur'an commands Muslims to stand firm for justice, even if it is against their own interests:

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives...” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:135).

Islam promotes fairness, and treating people equitably, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Kindness and Compassion:

One of the hallmarks of respect is showing kindness to others. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"He is not a true believer whose neighbor is not safe from his harm."

Respect involves showing compassion, avoiding harmful behavior, and supporting others, especially the vulnerable, such as the poor, orphans, and those in need.

Avoiding Backbiting, Slander, and Insults:

Islam prohibits behavior that demeans or disrespects others, such as backbiting, slander, and insults. The Qur'an warns:

“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption... and do not backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead?” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:12).

This emphasizes the importance of safeguarding a person’s reputation and respecting their honor.

Maintaining Relationships and Upholding Trust:

Respect for others also involves maintaining family ties, respecting parents and elders, and fulfilling promises. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the significance of honoring parents, taking care of family, and fulfilling trusts.

Summary of Respect to Mankind:

Respect for mankind in Islam is a fundamental principle based on the dignity that Allah has granted to all humans. It involves:

Recognizing the dignity of every individual as honored by Allah.

Respecting diversity and differences among people, fostering peaceful coexistence.

Treating people with fairness and justice, standing up for their rights.

Showing kindness and compassion, ensuring safety and support for others.

Avoiding harmful behaviors like backbiting, slander, and insults, and preserving the honor of others.

Upholding relationships and trust, maintaining family ties, and fulfilling promises.

In essence, Islam teaches that true respect involves recognizing the humanity in every person, treating them with dignity, and ensuring their rights and well-being are protected, thus promoting harmony and peace in society.

1. Emphasizing the significance of maintaining and sustaining nature

Example:

• Planting trees and protecting greenery: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of planting trees, as they provide oxygen, shade, and food.

• Conserving water: Even when performing ablution (wudu), Islam teaches not to waste water, even if using a flowing river.

• Avoiding excessive consumption: Islam encourages moderation in using natural resources to prevent depletion.

• Quran (Surah Al-A’raf 7:31):

“…Eat and drink, but do not waste. Indeed, He does not like the wasteful.”

→ This verse teaches the principle of moderation in consumption and discourages wastage.

2. Addressing environmental issues (pollution, wastage, and cleanliness)

Example:

• Reducing plastic waste: Many people dispose of plastic irresponsibly, causing pollution. Islam teaches cleanliness and responsibility for the earth.

• Proper waste management: Islam encourages disposing of waste properly and keeping surroundings clean.

• Avoiding water and air pollution: Factories and vehicles release pollutants that harm the environment, and Islam teaches accountability for our actions on Earth.

• Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:205):

“…And when he goes away, he strives throughout the land to cause corruption therein and destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption.”

→ This verse warns against those who harm the environment and cause destruction.

Conclusion:

Islam strongly emphasizes environmental responsibility through planting trees, conserving resources, preventing pollution, and maintaining cleanliness. By following these teachings, Muslims can fulfill their religious duty and help sustain the environment for fut

ure generations.

1. Definition of Khusyuk

- Khusyuk in prayer (solat) is a Sunnah (recommended act), not a Rukun (obligatory pillar).

- It involves:

- Focus and humility.

- Tranquility and understanding what is recited.

- Awareness of communing with Allah.

- Avoiding useless movements or distractions.

2. Obstacles to Khusyuk

- Was-was (Whispers of Shaytan): Doubts or intrusive thoughts.

- Attachment to Worldly Matters: The heart or mind being preoccupied with desires, fears, or distractions.

3. Ways to Achieve Khusyuk

A. Preparation Before Prayer:

- Perform ablution (wudu) properly without wasting water.

- Cleanse the body (e.g., brushing teeth with miswak).

- Wear clean clothes and pray in a distraction-free place.

- Avoid praying when:

- Extremely hungry or full.

- Needing to relieve oneself.

B. During Prayer:

- Understand and reflect on the recitations (e.g., Surah Al-Fatihah).

- Minimize unnecessary movements.

- Pray on time (without delay).

C. Additional Practices:

- Learn the fiqh (jurisprudence) of prayer.

- Increase Sunnah acts (e.g., voluntary prayers).

- Supplicate (dua) to Allah for focus.

- Demonstrates submission to Allah through consistent prayer

- Reflects commitment to worship even during busy schedules

2. Jihad (Spiritual Struggle)

- Requires overcoming distractions and laziness

- Involves discipline in maintaining prayers, especially night prayers

3. Muhasabah (Self-Reflection)

- Provides opportunity for introspection and repentance

- Encourages moral evaluation through Quranic recitations

4. Iffah (Moral Purity)

- Develops self-restraint against sinful desires

- Strengthens integrity in both worship and daily life

5. Tawaddu (Humility)

- Physical postures demonstrate complete submission

- Counters arrogance and fosters sincer

ity before Allah

1. Sabr (Patience & Perseverance)

• Enduring Hardships - Staying

strong during trials and challenges.

• A Key to Success - Allah promises reward for those who are patient.

• Brings Inner Peace - Patience

leads to emotional stability and contentment.

• Highly Rewarded in Islam

"Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Quran 2:153)

2. Takrim (Honoring & Respecting Others)

• Treating Others with Dignity

Respecting parents, elders, and fellow humans.

• Promotes Good Relationships

Strengthens love and unity in society.

• A Reflection of Good Character - The Prophet (PBUH) was known for honoring others.

3. Rahmah (Compassion & Mercy)

• Being Kind & Caring -Showing love and mercy to people and all creation.

• A Quality of Allah & Prophets "And We have not sent you (O Muhammad), except as a mercy to the worlds." (Quran 21:107)

• Brings Barakah (Blessings) Compassion leads to peace and harmony in life.

1. Ukhuwwah (Brotherhood & Unity)

• Strengthens Social Bonds Zakah helps the poor, creating unity among Muslims.

• Reduces Poverty & Inequality Supports those in need, fostering a caring society.

• Encourages Generosity & Love - Promotes kindness and empathy within the community.

2. Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

• Increases Reliance on Allah Giving Zakah shows faith that Allah will provide more.

• Purifies Wealth & Heart -Detaches from materialism, strengthening trust in Allah.

• Brings Barakah (Blessings) -Allah promises to multiply the wealth of those who give.

Learning about the Five Pillars of Islam gave me a deeper understanding of the faith and its emphasis on devotion, discipline, and community. Each pillar-Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage)-teaches important values that shape a Muslim's daily life. I found it inspiring how these pillars encourage self-discipline, gratitude, and compassion for others. It also made me reflect on my own beliefs and how faith can be a guiding force in people's lives.

Overall, this learning experience opened my eyes to the spiritual and social impact of these core principles.